14 Self-Care Ideas To Prevent Burnout For Nurses

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There are 14 self-care ideas to prevent burnout for nurses that in my opinion should not be overlooked. Due to the physical demands, and the emotionally draining aspects of nursing, it is more important than ever for nurses to practice self-care.

I may not speak for all nurses, but I’m convinced that all the complexities of my job as a nurse also make it tough to have enough energy left over to practice self-care.

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Nurses Work Hard, So Self-Care Is Deserved

Nursing may be one of the hardest working professions that there is. When you think of what a nurse does, if you imagine someone who advocates for a patients’ health, welfare and safety, you are correct. Although, this barely scratches the surface of a nurse’s responsibilities.

Only a nurse can understand how stressful it can be to interact with different patients of different cultures (and their families) with political correctness, all while keeping your critical thinking and clinical skills in mind.

We work long hours as nurses and seem to do our jobs tirelessly. Exerting the kind of intense focus and energy required of a nurse can come at a high cost. Regularly practicing self-care is a must because the threat of burnout is so real. 

Nurses are regular people when the scrubs come off. In our personal lives, we’re often relied on as the caregiver for our loved ones. It can be hard to walk into work with a warm smile and be a selfless caregiver to total strangers under stressful conditions.

Self-Care Is Important For A Nurse’s Wellbeing

The only way to report to work refreshed and ready for the constantly changing demands of the job is to plan some much needed self-care time on your days off. 

I had to learn the kinds of activities that would replenish me whenever I feel depleted physically, mentally and emotionally. 

There are a variety of self-care activities that I keep in my arsenal. They aren’t extravagant but they do help to decompress and replenish my spirit.

Here are 14 self-care ideas to prevent burnout for nurses:

1. Create your own spa experience. My go-to self-care activity is a warm shower after work or a hot bath. Epsom salt in a warm bath is perfect for relaxing tight muscles. Sometimes I pick a day during the week and give myself a mini spa treatment. Light a scented candle and play some music. Try an exfoliating facial mask or a deep conditioning treatment for your hair and you’ll feel amazing!
2. Use lavender essential oil to promote relaxation. Until I became a nurse, I didn’t understand how you can feel both exhausted and restless at the same time. Adding lavender essential oil to a diffuser 30 minutes before I go to bed helps me relax enough to fall asleep without first tossing and turning. 
3. Engage in a favorite Hobby. For me, knitting or crochet is something I enjoy because it feels like an escape for my mind. It’s the perfect activity for me to unwind and let go of the day. Don’t have a hobby? If not, start one!
4. Journal your thoughts. Writing helps me unload my thoughts and feelings onto paper so that I’m not ruminating on them when I’m lying in bed trying to go to sleep. 
5. Get organized – Having everything in order that you need to efficiently function during the workweek takes some worthwhile preparation. For me, this involves having my laundry done, kitchen and bathrooms clean and meals prepped for work. Staying organized opens up pockets of time in my day that I can spend practicing self-care. 
6. Listen to your favorite music, audiobook or podcast. You can do this while getting organized, cleaning the house, cooking or while driving. 
7. Practice Meditation. Deep breathing has a relaxing effect on the central nervous system. If you have never meditated before, the simplest way to begin is to find a quiet place, sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Focus on your breathing while you slowly inhale and exhale. I can calm myself in the middle of the most insane situations at work by deliberately deep breathing. The next time you find yourself knee-deep in chaos, notice how you’re breathing. If you can slow down your respirations you can control your stress levels better.
8. Buy fresh flowers. You don’t have to wait for spring to arrive to appreciate a bouquet of fresh flowers, and they don’t have to be exotic. Even if they’re from the grocery store, fresh flowers evoke feelings of warmth and happiness. Rest assured, bringing the beauty of nature indoors will always put a smile on your face.
9. Plan a Netflix marathon day. Self-care also means sometimes you need to just sit on the couch and do nothing. Recruit your husband (like I do) or a friend, get your favorite snacks (even if they aren’t the healthiest), grab your remote and have a full-fledged movie marathon.
10. Practice yoga or take a yoga class. You don’t have to be a yogi to benefit from a few basic yoga stretches every day. When I lie on my yoga mat to stretch, then hop in a warm shower, the workday is completely behind me. 
11. Play with your pet. Studies show that having a pet can lower your blood pressure and lighten your mood. 
12. Get near water. Spring will be here before you know it. Just seeing a body of water can add a sense of tranquility and wellbeing. You could plan to go for a drive near the ocean if you live in a coastal community. Gazing out over the ocean is truly relaxing and a lake view will have the same effect.
13. Get outside and walk, weather permitting. Walking or hiking on a sunny day is an opportunity to clear your head and get some Vitamin D, which can help chase away the winter blahs. #win-win.👌🏽
14. Make a salon appointment. A manicure or pedicure is a great spirit booster. Visiting your hairstylist will also lift your mood. Sometimes you need little reminders that you are worth it.🤷🏽‍♀️

Of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. The point is to find activities that simply make you feel good. If you find yourself feeling like you’re running on the caregiver hamster wheel, try out a couple of these ideas.

Being Selfish Benefits Everyone

As a nurse and a caregiver you just can’t pour from an empty cup. Nurses have to nurse themselves. Self-care for nurses is as vital as oxygen.

We, as nurses encourage, advise and promote health and self-care for the patients we take care of. However, we also need to be health advocates for ourselves. Being “selfish” is the best thing we can do as caregivers for the people we care for.

In addition, you do not have to be a nurse to practice self-care. If you are going to be in a position to give care and compassion generously from a positive place without feeling depleted and resentful, putting yourself first is the only way to do it.

Your ability to do your job as a nurse and do it well is a reflection of how well you care for yourself. This is the way you’ll get out of nursing exactly what you put into it. 

Are you a nurse that practices self-care? I want to hear from you!

Sources:  

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324417

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/health-benefits/index.html

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